What is a combination attack in firefighting?

A combination attack in firefighting refers to the tactical approach of employing both direct attack and indirect attack methods to combat a fire. This strategy is utilized to maximize effectiveness by directly applying water or extinguishing agents onto the fire's source while simultaneously using indirect techniques to create barriers or control the fire spread, often through creating steam or cooling the surrounding environment.

In direct attacks, firefighters aim to apply water directly onto the burning material, providing an immediate cooling effect and reducing the fire's intensity. Indirect attacks, on the other hand, involve directing water into unburned areas or creating steam from water applied to cooler surfaces or the atmosphere, which helps in lowering overall temperatures and controlling the fire’s progress. By combining these methods, firefighters enhance their chances of successfully extinguishing the fire while minimizing risks to themselves and potential property damage.

Other strategies that focus solely on indirect methods or specific approaches, like using only chemical agents, would not accurately represent the multifaceted nature of a combination attack, which utilizes a broader range of techniques to effectively manage fire situations.